Bangladesh enters metro rail system

The much awaited first ever elevated metro rail is ready for commercial operation and Bangladesh is set to enter a modern metro rail system.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is going to open the first phase of the country's first-ever metro rail service today morning.

About 11.73 km section of metro rail project from Uttara Diabari to Agargaon will be inaugurated at 11.00am .  About 10.10 minutes are required to go from Uttara to Agargaon. 

By cutting a red ribbon, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will become the first passenger of the city's most modern transport system, said an official of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).

DMTCL has already completed its preparation to hold the colorful opening function at Diabari, Uttara and police-RAB personnel have taken all measures to ensure security of the event.

According to the project details, initially some 10-set of trains having six coaches will run from Uttara to Agargaon. Each train can run at a speed of 100 to 110 km. However, the speed will be lower in areas with bends.

“Dhaka is the second largest city in South Asia and the seventh largest in the world in terms of population. And the capital city is getting the most modern transportation system with metro rail for commuters,” Managing Director of DMTCL MAN Siddique said.

A train will wait for passengers at each platform for 10 minutes for the first few days as city dwellers are not familiar with this new transport system.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the construction work of the metro rail project, also known as the MRT Line-6, on June 24, 2016.

The JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) provided around Taka 16,600 crore as project assistance out of the total cost of Taka 22,000 crore.